So what qualifies me to write about this? I
have 18 tattoos from over 10 different artists; which means I could be called a
tattoo collector. I have travelled around the country to get the specific artist
I want because I have researched the style and then found an artist within that
style that matches the atheistic I have in my mind, making sure I get the best
tattoo for me.
What style do you want?
There are lots of style of tattoo out there
but these are the main categories
·
Traditional – Solid black outlines,
a limited colour palette and less detail, this covers things like roses,
hearts, nautical, eagles, skulls, daggers and women's heads.
·
Realism – this is for tattoos
that look exactly like it would in the real world, think portraits.
·
Watercolour – this is for
tattoos that don’t necessarily have outlines instead uses splashes and streaks
of colour to give the impression of paint being used on canvas or paper.
·
Tribal - Nearly always black in
colour, often using symmetry and geometrical design.
·
New School - Cartoon-like
designs influenced by graffiti and hip-hop artistic techniques and styles
·
Neo Traditional - use bold
outlines and careful, precise shading.
·
Japanese - Imagery includes
cherry blossoms, koi fish, lotus flowers, dragons, war dogs and geishas.
·
Dotwork - Intricate designs
that use lots of tiny dots.
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| By Sam Whitehead, who is based in Leeds |
Different tattooers specialise in different
tattoo styles. Decide on what you want and then find an artist who tattoos in
that way. It sounds easy but this is actually the hardest part and where you
really should focus your efforts. Doing the research will pay off when you get
the tattoo of your dreams.
Finding an artist
To me Instagram has revolutionised the
finding of tattoo artist as a whole world of tattooist is now available at your
fingertips. Explore artists on Instagram
using hashtags or look for the title in their bio and find someone whose work
you really love. Some hashtags I would recommend #tattooersofinstagram #uktattoo
#uktta #tattooworkers
Personally, I like getting tattooed by
female artists, I don’t really know why, I just like supporting female artists
(there are many amazing male artists out there) so some hashtags I also search
are #ladytattooers
If you need some inspiration for the styles
there are some great Instagram accounts that post all types of work, Tattoo Snob is a global
account, UKTTA is a UK based
account. These accounts can also help you find a specific artist in the style
you want.
Once you have found an artist you love,
give them a follow, not only will in brightening your feed, but they will often
advertise pieces they have already drawn up, if you are unsure of what you want
but you love their work, this is a great way of getting something. They might
also run competitions and let you know where they are going to be (more on this
later) .
 |
| By Paula Castle, who is based in Swansea |
 |
| By Monica, who is based in Wolverhampton |
Pinterest can also be a good source of
inspiration for style, but it is less likely you will be able to find the
actual artist. But note that pinterest will be full of ‘trendy’ tattoos that
are the current fad.
Ask other artists
When I was initially looking at getting my
Charlie tattoo I approached Paula, but she was honest with me and said the
image I sent her didn’t really match her style, however she suggested Hollie,
who was the perfect style for what I wanted and I got the perfect tattoo from a
recommendation.
 |
| By Paula Castle, based in Swansea |
Guest
Spots
So you’ve found the artist of your dreams
but they are the other side of the country and travelling for hours isn’t going
to work for you. Most artist do guest spots at other studios, so follow their
personal Instagram and keep an eye out for when they announce dates. Due to
guest spots I was able to get tattooed by Holly, who is normally in Norwich,
which I just couldn’t justify travelling to and get my chubba done in Daventry.
For my nightmare before Christmas piece Angharad was doing a guest spot in
Malvern which meant I could get an earlier date with her.
 |
| By Hollie West, who is based in Norwich |
 |
Conventions
Another great way to get to an artist that
isn’t local is tattoo conventions, there are many all other the country and
here is a calendar
of them all. Again, artists will post when they are booking for these so keep
an eye out. Just note that some will be entering competitions and will only
want to do tattoos that they can enter and will be in their style, so they
might say no to your idea, this isn’t personal. I was able to get tattooed by
Holly May at the Cardiff Tattoo convention.
 |
| By Hollie May, who is based in Leek |
A final point….
Listen to the artist
Sometimes they will just say no to what you
want done as it isn’t for them. Sometimes they will offer advice on size and
placement. Some tattooist won’t tattoo hands or above the neck. I know one of
their bugbears is people who show a tiny image from somewhere like pinterst and
want it that actual size. To get a certain amount of detail in and for it to
last for years to come, it does need to be a certain size, and they will advise
of this.
For example, I had planned for this tattoo to be on my thigh, but once I got to the studio and Keely saw the space, she advised my lower leg would be much better, I trusted her judgement and she was right.
 |
| By Keely Rutherford, based in London |
At the end of the day, you are a walking
advert for them and they want their work to look great, they won’t comprise
their artistic integrity for you. Basically,
I’m saying you need to be flexible on some things and don’t take it personally,
they are the experts.
Also if you want to use a numbing cream,
ask the artist how they feel about this, as some won’t work on you as they say
it affects the skin, others are fine with it, so best to ask.
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